2005 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 273 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 13 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 11 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchApr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Campaign 19V297000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
Campaign 15V323000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsDec 1, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
Campaign 14V763000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJun 10, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
Campaign 14V311000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 27, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.
Campaign 13V110000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJun 9, 2004
THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS IN CERTAIN VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN MAY NOT FULLY DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. DURING A SIDE IMPACT TEST CONDUCTED BY THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY (IIHS), THE TEST RESULTS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE IIHS TEST RESULTS AND THE RESULT OF SIDE IMPACT TESTS CONDUCTED BY FHI.
THIS MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INTENDED HEAD PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. .
Campaign 04V274000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
273 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Jan 3, 2006
WE OWN A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK LLBEAN WAGON WITH PROJECTION HEADLIGHTS. MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR USUALLY, BUT DURING THE HOLIDAYS I DROVE IT QUITE A BIT ESPECAILLY AT NIGHT. I NOTICED A DISTINCTIVE BLACK LINE RUNNING HORIZONTALLY WITH THE VEHICLE AT 180 DEGREES THAT ALSO RUNS ACROSS THE HORIZON OF THE ROAD SIMILAR TO WHAT AN OLD PROJECTOR DOES ON A WHITE SCREEN. (CREATES A BOX OF LIGHT FOR THE IMAGE. BUT OUTSIDE THE BOUNDRY OF THE PROJECTOR THERE IS NO IMAGE OR LIGHT. WHEN DRIVING ON A PERFECTLY HORIZONTAL ROAD THE PROJECTOR LIGHTS EXTEND OUT LET'S SAY 250 YARDS +/-. BUT WHEN THE ROAD UNDULATES THE HEADLIGHT PROJCETION OF THE ROAD AHEAD IS CUT OFF! IT'S LIKE SOMETHING SHUTS OFF THE PROJECTED LIGHT AHEAD AND THE ROAD BECOMES SEVERLY DARKENED. HOWEVER, WHEN I TURN ON MY HIGHBEAMS THE ENTIRE ROAD FRONT AND SIDES ARE ADEQUATELY LIT. I FEEL THIS COULD BE A PONTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IF SOMEONE DRIVING IN FOG, HEAVY RAIN, OR SNOW. HOW CAN YOU MAINTAIN A SAFE CONDITION IF YOUR FORWARD LIGHT IS ESENTIALLY CUT OFF BECAUSE OF THE LIMITATION OF THE PROJCETOR DESIGN OF THE HEADLIGHT? I HAVE EXPRESSED MY CONCERN TO SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ACCORDING TO PERSON I SPOKE TO. I JUST WANT TO GO ON RECORD WITH MY CONCERNS. APPARANTLY ACCORDING TO THE SUBRU MECHANIC I SPOKE TO TODAY, OTHERS HAVE EXPRESSED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 TRIBECA WHICH HAS THE SAME HEADLIGHT SET UP. SINCERELY, AP GULLA. *NM
Exterior lighting, Dec 27, 2005
DT: WHEN THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT ARE ON THE TAILLIGHT ARE OFF. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE RUNNING LIGHTS AND AS A RESULT THE CONSUEMR DID NOT REMEMBER TO TURN LIGHTS ON WHEN IT WAS DUSK OUTSIDE. THIS ALMOST CAUSED THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE CONSUEMR FEELS THAT HTIS MAY BE A SAFTEY ISSUE THEREFORE CONTACTED TEH MANUFACTURER. *AK IPDATED 3/9/2006 - *NM
Vehicle speed control, Dec 14, 2005
EVERY TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED WHILE GOING DOWNHILL THE THROTTLE BEGINS TO RAPIDLY AND WILDLY ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE AS IF IT IS OUT OF CONTROL. IT STOPS WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. VERY UNNERVING. *JB
Seat belts, Nov 8, 2005
REAR PASSENGER SAFETY BELTS DO NOT EXTEND SUFFICIENTLY WHEN CHILD SEAT IS INSTALLED IN CENTRAL POSITION FOR 05 MODEL COMPARED TO OLDER MODELS. *NM
Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2005
DT CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TOO LOW, THEY PROJECTED DOWNWARD. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY RAISED THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THEM, AND TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER AGAIN ADJUSTED THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN ADJUSTED THREE TIMES. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STILL HAD DIFFICULTY SEEING IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT ALL VEHICLES WITH PROJECT BEAM BULBS WERE LIKE THAT. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Equipment, Nov 8, 2005
RE ODI 10133280 SIMILAR PROBLEM AT LOW SPEEDS AND VARYING ROAD CONDITIONS, EG FLAT ROAD, BUMPY ROAD ETC. *NM
Air bags, Nov 2, 2005, crash
ON JULY 13, 2005 I TOTALED MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK BY ROLLING IT ABOUT THREE TIMES. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED-NOT EVEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO DEPLOY IN A ROLL OVER. *NM
Exterior lighting, Sep 5, 2005
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK DO NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH ILLUMINATION. THERE IS A SHARP LOW JAGGED LINE LIKE A CURTAIN OF DARKNESS WHERE THE LIGHT ENDS. AT NIGHT, WHEN THE CAR ENCOUNTERS A DIP IN THE ROAD, VISIBILITY OBSCURED ALL BUT FOR A FEW FEET. IT IS VERY, VERY DANGEROUS. *JB
Exterior lighting, Sep 2, 2005
DT: 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK - THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THEY DID NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH LIGHT TO DRIVE SAFELY AT NIGHT. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE CONSUMER COULD NOT SEE. THERE WAS VERY LIMITED ROAD WAY VISION, WITH ONLY A COUPLE HUNDRED FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR THAT WAS LIT UP PROPERLY, FROM THAT POINT ON IT WAS JUST BLACK. THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON TO GET HOME SAFELY. THE CONSUMER SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE DESIGN OF THE HEADLIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO TO ADJUST THEM. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 18, 2005
THE BRAKE ROTORS ON MY 2005 SUBARU HAVE WARPED (ALL 4) AT 14,000 MILES PRODUCING A VIOLENT PULSATING PEDAL AND INEFFICIENT BRAKING. THIS ALONE COULD CAUSE SOME DRIVERS TO ALLOW FOR INSUFFICIENT BRAKING DISTANCES CAUSING A CRASH. IT IS NOW MY UNDERSTANDING, AFTER SOME INVESTIGATION, THAT THIS IS A "COMMON" PROBLEM WITH THIS MANUFACTURER FOR MANY YEARS. THE SUBARU DEALER CUT THE ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY BUT THIS SHOULD NEVER HAVE OCCURRED AT 14,000 MILES. *JB
Exterior lighting, Aug 17, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS DO NOT GO FAR ENOUGH OUT AND IT RESULTS IN BLACKNESS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT SHINE WHERE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO. THE DISTANCE OF THE LIGHT DOES NOT CARRY AR ENOUGH WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. ONE SEES BRIGHT LIGHTS WHICH NOT GO TO DIM, THEY GO FROM STRAIGHT TO DARKNESS. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THE HEADLIGHTS CANNOT BE ADJUSTED BECAUSE THEY ARE TO SPECIFIC. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jul 29, 2005
HEADLIGHTS. THE LOW BEAMS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY BEYOND, PERHAPS 50 FEET. CANNOT SEE FAR ENOUGH AHEAD AT NIGHT ON DARK ROADWAYS. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY IN NH WHERE DEER AND MOOSE IN THE ROADWAY ARE A REAL PROBLEM. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 29, 2005
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK GOT STUCK AFTER INCURRING A MINOR OBSTRUCTION (SEVERAL INCHES OF SNOW IN ONE CASE AND A SOMEWHAT SHARP INCLINE IN ANOTHER CASE) WHILE DRIVING IN HIGH ALTITUDES (10,000 FT TO 11,500 FT). ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST MOST OF ITS POWER AND NO WHEELS WOULD TURN. DESPITE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR, THE ENGINE NEVER WENT ABOVE 2000 RPMS. FORTUNATELY, ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THERE WERE PEOPLE AROUND TO PUSH THE CAR. ONCE THE TIRES WERE TOTALLY FREE OF ANY OBSTRUCTION, NORMAL ENGINE POWER RETURNED AND THE CAR COULD BE DRIVEN. I TOOK THE SUBARU TO MY HOME DEALERSHIP IN OLATHE KS (JACK MILLER) ON JUNE 29, 2005, A COUPLE WEEKS AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. DEALER SAID HE COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM , SO HE COULD NOT FIX IT. THE INVOICE NOTES: "2000 RPM IS APPOX TORQUE CONVERTER STALL SPEED." FOLLOWING THE SECOND PROBLEM ON JULY 20, I TOOK MY CAR TO JOHN ELWAY SUBARU WEST IN GOLDEN CO. DEALER INVOICE SAYS:" IF TIRES WERE NOT SPINNING, CAR HAD TRACTION AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BUILD BOOST AT ALTITUDE TO PRODUCE POWER." DEALER, HOWEVER, SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE INABILITY TO BUILD BOOST, AND WERE THUS UNABLE TO FIX THE CAR. I FILED A VERBAL COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA ON JULY 27 AND FOLLOWED UP ON JULY 29. AS OF THEN, SUBARU OF AMERICA WAS STILL TRYING TO CONTACT THE DEALER. SUBARU MARKETS ITS CARS AS HAVING SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN THE MOUNTAINS, SNOW AND IN DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS. SUBARU ENJOYS A LARGE MARKET SHARE IN THE COLORADO MOUNTAINS, WHERE BOTH MY "NOT ABLE TO BUILD BOOST" PROBLEMS OCCURRED. MY CAR CANNOT BE SAFELY DRIVEN IN THE CO MOUNTAINS, PARTICULARLY ON MOUNTAIN PASSES OR DIRT ROADS, BECAUSE HELP MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TO GET THE CAR RUNNING AGAIN. I DO NOT KNOW IF MY EXPERIENCES ARE ISOLATED OR PART OF A LARGER PROBLEM. IN EITHER CASE, I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT SUBARU HAS BEEN UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *NM
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2005
DT: CONSUMER HAD THIS VEHICLE 3 MONTHS AND THE DEALER HAD TO JUMP START THE MOTOR THREE TIMES. ALSO, REMOTE WON'T OPEN THE DOOR WHEN THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. CHANGED THE COMPASS IN THE MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE TEST DRIVING VEHICLE. DEALER SAID THEY WOULD PUT IN A NEW BATTERY, AND WOULD FIX IT. HWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Seat belts, Jul 15, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT, THE SEAT BELT WOULD UNLOCK THE LEFT SEAT BELT. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE ISSUE, THEY DID SUBMITT A COMPLAINT, BUT IT MAY TAKE UP TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE PROBLEM COULD BE CORRECTED. THE CONSUMER SEARCHED DIFFERENT VEHICLES FOR THE SAME MAKE/MODEL AND THEY ALL HAD THE SAME TYPE OF SEAT BELTS. *AK *SC *JB
Exterior lighting, Tires, Jun 21, 2005
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK: WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED, ACCELERATION BECOMES EXTREMELY IRREGULAR, ESPECIALLY AFTER CRESTING A HILL, ENGINE PULSATES AS IF GAS FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS BEING INTERRUPTED IRREGULARLY, CAR BUCKS OR PULSES. LOW BEAMS ON HEADLIGHTS BLEW AFTER ONLY 10,000 MILES, RAIN AND/OR DEW DRIPS INSIDE CAR BECAUSE OF CAR DESIGN-DRENCHING ALL PASSENGERS FRONT AND BACK-SEAT-NO WINDOW VENTS AVAILABLE ACCORDING TO SUBARU. NO FRONT SEAT ARM-RESTS..MOST UNCOMFORTABLE CAR I'VE EVER OWNED
Vehicle speed control, Jun 10, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE THROTTLE WILL HESITATATE AND SURGE WHEN DESCENDING ON EVEN A SMALL HILL. THIS IS DISTRACTING TO THE DRIVER AND COULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED AND A FIX IS NOT POSSIBLE.
Exterior lighting, Jan 26, 2005
THE HEADLIGHT ANGLE MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP OR WHEN THE ROAD GOES DOWN, IT IS ALMOST LIKE THE ROAD IS DISAPPEARING IN FRONT. THE DESIGN IS POOR.*AK *TC
Vehicle speed control, Jan 5, 2005
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK: WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED, ACCELERATION BECOMES EXTREMELY IRREGULAR, ESPECIALLY AFTER CRESTING A HILL, ENGINE PULSATES AS IF GAS FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS BEING INTERRUPTED IRREGULARLY, CAR BUCKS OR PULSES. *AK
Exterior lighting, Dec 7, 2004
CONSUMER FEEL THAT THE HEADLIGHT ARE POINTED TOO LOW TO THE GROUND. THIS CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE HEADLIGHTS COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED AND THAT IT MET THE SPECS.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT VISIBILITY WAS CUT IN HALF. ONLY HALF OF THE ROADWAY WAS ILLUMINATED DURING NIGHT DRIVING. THE UPPER HALF OF THE BEAM WAS BLOCKED OUT. *TC
Exterior lighting, Nov 22, 2004
THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE LIGHTING AND THE ADJUSTMENT CAUSED LOW BEAMS TO CREATE A GLARE TO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *BF THE HIGH AND LOW BEAM FILAMENTS WERE IN ONE BULB AND THE BULB WAS SURROUNDED BY A COLLAR WHICH MAY HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE LOW BEAMS WERE ON OR WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IN RURAL AREAS, IT LOOKED AS IF A DARK SHADE WAS PULLED DOWN MAKING THE LIGHTED AREA ONLY ABOUT 6 FEET OFF OF THE GROUND THROUGHOUT 180 DEGREES HORIZONTALLY. *SC
Exterior lighting, Nov 17, 2004
IT WOULD BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO SEE DURING NIGHT TIME WITH THE FRONT GLASS HEADLIGHTS LENS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Exterior lighting, Nov 9, 2004
THE HEADLIGHT ONLY ILLUMINATED 20 TO 25 FEET IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *NM THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS ONLY ILLUMINATE ONE FOOT ON EITHER SIDE MAKING NIGHTIME DRIVING FRIGHTENING AND STRESSFUL. A DARK SHADOW APPEARS TO DROP 25 FEET IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *TC